Abstract: A method for providing communication service in an Advanced Intelligent Network environment comprises receiving an alert message that originates from the database, the alert message including a protocol parameter; identifying a protocol that controls communication between the intelligent peripheral and the database in a protocol identified by the protocol parameter, the protocol being stored in a database in the IP containing a plurality of protocols and a plurality of protocol parameters, each protocol in the plurality of protocols being correlated with a unique protocol parameter from the plurality of protocol parameters; and executing the protocol.

Abstract: A call management technique implemented using a call routing engine is disclosed. The technique of the present invention may be used to advantage to implement dialed number translation techniques.

Abstract: allowing a central business communication system to handle all aspects of call setup on a remote switch. Call control for a telecommunication call set up on a remote switch continues to be handled by the central business communication system; however, the switching of the bearer channels is performed automatically on the remote switch if the telecommunication call is between telecommunication terminals on the remote switch. In addition, if the telecommunication call is between two remote switches, the remote switches will automatically communicate the bearer channels through an interconnecting media without going through the central business communication system.

Abstract: The exit light from the illuminating part illuminates each key button as a spot light. Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual recognition is extremely improved, and easy-to-read type data can be displayed. A telephone terminal device includes a circuit board, and a plurality of key buttons disposed at the upper side of the circuit board. The circuit board has a through-hole, and the through-hole is positioned immediately beneath at least one key button of the plurality of key buttons, and each key button is illuminated by the light passing the through-hole.

Abstract: A multifrequency detector, such as a DTMF detector, includes a Goertzel module detecting energies of a current frame of an incoming signal at nominal tone frequencies. A number of ratios are computed from the detected energies and supplied as an input to a multidimensional thresholding device such as a neural network. The neural network generates a decision level to be used in a subsequent frame decision. A frequency estimation module also receives the incoming signal and generates a number of frequency estimation indications to be used in the final determination of whether the incoming signal contains a valid multifrequency signal. A low-level decision module returns a frame decision result (D/N) for the current frame based on inputs from the Goertzel module and the decision level. A high-level decision module receives the frame decision result and information based on the frequency estimation indications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital pre-distortion filter in arrangement with a data access arrangement (DAA) on the component side (e.g., in a modem chipset). This arrangement of the pre-distortion filter outside of the DAA allows digital processes such as digital emulation of the central office impedance to remain unaffected by the pre-distortion in the transmitted signal, allowing the dynamic range of the transmitted signal to be flattened to minimize return loss without complicating the transfer function of the digital emulation of the central office complex load. In the case of a digital emulation filter, placement of a digital pre-distortion filter outside of an analog-to-digital (A/D) digital-to-analog (D/A) loop also minimizes the noise otherwise associated with the use of a pre-distortion filter. Thus, benefits of a pre-distortion filter can be gained without interfering with emulation of impedance, and without causing a significant amount of noise in the transmitted signal.

Abstract: A line powered data access arrangement (DAA) is disclosed which adaptively allows proper operation with power supplied from a telephone line as conditions warrant, while at the same time satisfying the relevant requirements of many countries. In the line powered codec, a startup procedure for the international line powered codec uses register settings, e.g., country-specific register settings, which are powered and maintained from the low voltage side (e.g., from the PC or modem side) of the line powered codec. In this way, even during low line power conditions the programmed state of the line powered codec can be maintained, thus a default condition will not necessarily returned to by the line powered codec upon reset due to a power loss in the telephone line. In another aspect, a charge storage device such as a charge capacitor is charged from a charge pump formed from a differential clock signal from the low voltage side.

Abstract: A receiving device comprises a signal demodulator circuit for demodulating an encrypted video signal and attribute information including information for decoding an encryption, an attribute information identifying circuit for identifying and outputting the attribute information, and a descramble circuit for unscrambling the video signal obtained from the signal demodulator circuit, based on the output produced from the attribute information identifying circuit. A signal re-scrambled in accordance with a device ID signal is recorded in a recording and reproducing device. Further, the recording of the signal is controlled based on the output obtained from the attribute information identifying circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the protected output of an electronically transmitted and stored document which is provided with or which is subject to electronic copy protection, comprising a storage unit provided on a local computer system, for storing the document and preparing it for output, a local processing and control unit which co-operates with the storage unit and with an external data processing installation by way of a data communication network, the processing and control unit being such that an additional operation and/or additional data can be linked to the document as a reaction to at least one online contact by way of the data communication network, and the linked document can be processed for output, an output unit which is connected to the local processing and control unit and which is adapted for appropriate output of the linked document, and an interrogation and checking unit which co-operates with the storage unit and the processing and control unit and which is adapted to detect a

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and arrangement for managing a service in a mobile communications system, mobile station and an intelligent module in a mobile station. An idea of the invention is that the data needed in the mobile station for a mobile communications service are transferred in encrypted form to several mobile stations at a time. The encryption is based on a key which is transferred individually to mobile stations. Applied to mobile station location this means that the location of a mobile station is determined in the mobile station by means of the timing difference of the signals received from at least two (preferably at least three) base stations and on the basis of the location data of said base stations. The location data are transferred to the mobile station in encrypted form so that they can be utilized only by mobile stations to which the operator has delivered a decryption key needed to decrypt the location data.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for adaptive, content-based watermark embedding of a digital audio signal (100) are disclosed. Corresponding watermark extracting techniques are also disclosed. Watermark information (102) is encrypted (120) using an audio digest signal, i.e. a watermark key (108). To optimally balance inaudibility and robustness when embedding and extracting watermarks (450), the original audio signal (100) is divided into fixed-length frames (1100, 1120, 1130) in the time domain. Echoes (S′[n], S″[n]) are embedded in the original audio signal (100) to represent the watermark (450). The watermark (450) is generated by delaying and scaling the original audio signal (100) and embedding it in the audio signal (100). An embedding scheme (104) is designed for each frame (1100, 1120, 1130) according to its properties in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A system and method for testing hearing or for testing and fitting hearing aids is provided, which includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, compound multi-channel dynamic filters. The system is equipped with earphones, enabling the test operator to hear sounds transmitted to the subject simultaneously with the transmission. A signal is transmitted to the test operator that representing a condition in the patient's ear canal or canals. The test operator modifies the signal using the filter or filters to produce a transmitted signal conforming to and indicating the hearing loss of the subject. This information may then be used to adjust or fit a hearing prosthesis as appropriate, and can also be used to recognize a situation in which the subject's hearing is normal but the subject has lost capability to process sounds.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a microphone-speaker apparatus, comprising: audio signal dividing means for dividing the audio signal into a plurality of raw component signals each indicative of the raw wave components; coherent component signal extracting means for extracting a plurality of coherent component signals respectively indicative of the coherent wave components from the raw component signals divided by the audio signal dividing means; power value calculating means for calculating the raw power value of each of the coherent component signals extracted by the coherent component signal extracting means; power value adjusting means for adjusting the raw power value of each of the coherent component signals calculated by the power value calculating means to produce an adjusted power value of each of the coherent component signals; power value judging means for judging whether or not the adjusted power value of each of the coherent component signals of the current frame exceeds the adjusted power value of each of t

Abstract: An adaptive speaker compensation system and method, such as for use in a multimedia computer, stores speaker response filter coefficients for each speaker and adaptively compensates received audio for non-linear speaker characteristics based on the stored speaker response filter coefficients. The speaker response filter coefficients preferably represent an inverse response of a speaker response curve for each speaker in the audio system. Preferably a library memory containing prestored speaker characteristic data, such as the speaker response filter coefficients, is selectively accessed by the adaptive speaker compensation system to download the speaker response filter coefficients based on identification of a speaker type and channel for which the speaker is being used.

Abstract: An automatic gain control for a cabin communication system for improving clarity of a voice spoken within a movable interior cabin having ambient noise includes a microphone for receiving the spoken voice and the ambient noise and for converting the spoken voice and the ambient noise into a first audio signal having a first component corresponding to the spoken voice and a second component corresponding to the ambient noise, a filter for removing the second component from the first audio signal to provide a filtered audio signal, an acoustic echo canceller for receiving the filtered audio signal in accordance with a supplied dither signal and providing an echo-canceled audio signal, a control signal generating circuit for generating a first automatic gain control signal in response to a noise signal that corresponds to a current speed of the cabin, the first automatic gain control signal controlling a first gain of the dither signal supplied to the filter, the control signal generating circuit also for genera

Abstract: An audio reproduction apparatus includes a primary audio amplifier having an output side for outputting audio signals, and a plurality of auxiliary audio amplifiers coupled electrically in series to the primary audio amplifier. Each of the auxiliary audio amplifiers has an input side for receiving the audio signals from the primary audio amplifier, a signal current generating device coupled electrically across the input side such that the audio signals pass through the signal current generating device, a current inducing device disposed adjacent to the signal current generating device for generating induced audio signals when the audio signals pass through the signal current generating device, an auxiliary amplifier coupled electrically to the current inducing device for amplifying and outputting the induced audio signals generated thereby, and a loudspeaker coupled electrically to the auxiliary amplifier for reproducing the induced audio signals amplified by the auxiliary amplifier.

Abstract: A neurofuzzy device is described that provides a fuzzy logic based user-machine interface for optimal fitting of programmable hearing prosthesis using a neural network that generates targets to be matched by the hearing prosthesis based on individual audiometric and other relevant data to the specific impairment and on the neural network accumulated learning from previous successful fittings. The incorporated learning process can occur on or off line and implements fitting rationales that can satisfy the needs of a general or specific clientele. The parameters of the programmable prosthetic device are set as a group in order to achieve optimal matching to the targets. The user-machine interface realized by a fuzzy logic system deciphers the commends/responses of the user while listening to various stimuli and modifies the targets accordingly thus, providing a closed loop system for in-situ interactive fitting.

Abstract: The present invention is a hearing aid for amplifying an acoustic signals comprising: a controller for determining in real time a frequency band at the highest level of the acoustic signals through frequency analysis of the acoustic signals that vary over time, and for generating a control signal to raise a gain for signals of a higher frequency range than the frequency band at the highest level (such as an amplifier Q3, or a band-pass filter group 2 and a diode matrix 3 and a comparator 4, or a digital signal processor 13, or the like); and a first amplifier, in which the control signal from said controller is inputted so that the frequency characteristics are varied, for amplifying the acoustic signals by increasing the gain for signals of the higher frequency range than the frequency band at the highest level (such as an amplifier system consisting of amplifiers Q1 and Q2, or a parametric equalizer 5, or a digital signal processor 13, or the like).

Abstract: Hearing aids improve not only the hearing, but the lives of millions. Unfortunately, far too many sufferers of hearing loss forego the benefits of hearing aids because of size and cost of the devices. To address this need, the present inventor devised hearing-aid circuit modules that use folded flexible circuits. The modules save space and reduce the cost of manufacturing hearing aids.

Abstract: An adjustable sound capturing device 2 (“MICTUBZ”) having a hollow main cylinder 20 open at both ends with a central microphone port 22 defined in the side wall, the microphone port 22 being equipped with an adjustable fastener 30 for seating the head of a conventional microphone 50 therein. In addition, two rotatable and telescoping cylindrical end tubes 10A, 10B are mounted on the open ends of the main cylinder 20, each having one open end, one closed end, and an acoustic input port 12 defined in its side wall, proximate the closed end, for channeling sound from spaced instruments to the centrally-mounted microphone 50. When a conventional microphone 50 is mounted on an existing mike stand, the adjustable sound capturing device 2 can be attached to the microphone 50 and adjusted to effectively double the pickup capacity of a single microphone 50 and to selectively pick up the sounds of two spaced-apart instruments without also picking up ambient sounds or other noise.

Abstract: A positioning device for a diaphragm of speakers includes an inner ring and an outer ring with a plurality of connection plates connected between the inner ring and the outer ring. The positioning device is attached to a side of the diaphragm and has a wave-shaped cross section which is complimentary to a shape of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is retained by the positioning device and will not shifts during operation.

Abstract: A pair of lead wire drawn from a voice coil is fixed to a land portion of a pair of terminal member by thermo-compression bonding. The pair of terminal member is integrally formed with the frame by insert molding. The frame made of synthetic resin has a pair of circular holes on the back side of the land portion to expose the land portion to the back space of the frame. In thermo-compression bonding, a supporting jig is pressed against the back side of the land portion via the circular hole. Thereby, generated heat is immediately transmitted to the supporting jig, preventing melting part of the frame around the land portion. Pressing force of a thermo-compression jig is received by the supporting jig, preventing sinking of the land portion in the frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of inserting an additional information item in a set of digital data representing physical quantities, the data having been processed by transformation, quantization and entropic coding in order to be compressed, characterized in that it comprises the steps of extracting a subset of low-frequency coefficients, from the set of data, entropic decoding of the coefficients of the subset, modulation of the decoded coefficients by a signal representing the additional information item, so as to form quantized watermarked coefficients, entropic coding of the watermarked coefficients, and insertion of the watermarked encoded coefficients in place of the coefficients of the subset, in the set of data.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a digital watermark embedding technique for integratedly managing a plurality of kinds of contents such as still images, motion images, audio sound, and the like. To accomplish this object, the invention has, for example, an input device for inputting a first kind of data line and a second kind of data line, and an embedding device for embedding digital watermark information which is concerned with each other to each of the first and second data lines.

Abstract: Anti-counterfeiting marking for documents, which marking may be disguised as an incidental or artistic feature of overall marking on the documents is adapted to be read by a complementary reading device. In one embodiment the marking may be a one, two or three-dimensional statistically fractal marking and is representative of an array of digits in which the value of each digit is represented by the fractal dimensions over a corresponding region or set of regions of the document bearing the marking. Corresponding apparatus for reading the anti-corresponding marking is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for time-frequency domain watermarking of media signals, such as audio and video signals. An encoding method divides the media signal into segments, transforms each segment into a time-frequency representation, and computes a time-frequency domain watermark signal based on the time frequency representation. It then combines the time-frequency domain watermark signal with the media signal to produce a watermarked media signal. To embed a message using this method, one may use peak modulation, pseudorandom noise modulation, statistical feature modulation, etc. Watermarking in the time-frequency domain enables the encoder to perceptually model time and frequency attributes of the media signal simultaneously. A watermark decoder uses a calibration signal to detect the watermark signal in a potentially distorted version of the watermarked signal. The calibration signal may also be used to determine the watermark's alignment and scaling.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for digitally tracking objects in real time. The present invention visually tracks three-dimensional (3-D) objects in dense disparity maps in real time. Tracking of the human body is achieved by digitally segmenting and modeling different body parts using statistical models defined by multiple size parameters, position and orientation. In addition, the present invention is embodied in a system and method for recognizing mutual occlusions of body parts and filling in data for the occluded parts while tracking a human body. The body parts are preferably tracked from frame to frame in image sequences as an articulated structure in which the body parts are connected at the joints instead of as individual objects moving and changing shape and orientation freely.

Abstract: A system for the automated determination of retroreflectivity values for reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a strobing light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine at least one retroreflectivity value for that reflective surface. Preferably, color images of the area and locational information are also generated by the system and are used together with a characterization profile of the light source to enhance the accuracy of the determination of retroreflectivity values.

Abstract: A digital image processing system for enhancing the image quality and diagnostic capabilities of conventional medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems and, more particularly, to an echocardiography workstation (10) which provides speckle reduction (200), edge detection, color quantitation (306), automatic diagnostic features. a built-in Help system for echocardiography, automatic quantitative analysis of left ventricular function, tomographic perfusion display (36), 3-D analysis, and report generation for improved analysis of echocardiograms.

Abstract: A similarity value of data elements is modified to provide an improved image of an object. Using an appropriate sensor, data is collected from an object and stored as a plurality of discrete data points. The data points are compared to each other to determine how similar the data properties of one data element are to another data element. A similarity value is assigned to each of the data elements representative of the difference between the properties of the two data elements. The similarity value for each particular data element is then modified based on a weighted similarity value of the data element itself and a group of adjacent data elements. The modified similarity value is then stored for each data element and used to produce an image representative of the object.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for viewing microscopic images include transmitting tiled microscopic images from a server to a client. The client assembles the tiled images into a seamless virtual slide or specimen image and provides tools for manipulating image magnification and viewpoint. The method and apparatus also provides a virtual multi-headed microscope function which allows scattered viewers to simultaneously view and interact with a coherent magnified microscopic image.

Abstract: A segmentation method of a frame of image information including a plurality of spaced DNA spot images corresponding to a plurality of DNA spots. The image information includes image intensity level information corresponding to said DNA spots. A grid including a plurality of spaced grid points corresponding to selected DNA spot images is generated, such that each grid point includes position information indicating the position of the grid point within said frame. For each DNA spot image: (1) background and signal intensity levels are extracted from image characteristic values for the spot image, and (2) difference values between the background intensity levels and signal intensity levels are determined. For each DNA spot: (1) the corresponding difference values are related a range of graphic values, (2) a graphic value for each difference value is selected; and (3) the selected graphic values are displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting anatomical landmarks in a radiographic image, preferably for total hip replacement applications, in accordance with the present invention, provides a region of interest of the image, and determines a first landmark in the region of interest by computing an intensity ridge map. A second landmark is determined in the region of interest based on a position and orientation of the first landmark, and measurements are performed on the image based on positions of the first and second landmarks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method acquires and stores multiple resolution images from a specimen on a support and provides to the user a low magnification, reconstructed macro image of the entire specimen, or a large portion thereof, to aid the person in selecting points of interest to be viewed or analyzed at higher magnifications and resolution. The reconstructed image is formed of a large number of tiled, stored images which are coordinated and assembled to form the macro image of the specimen which is displayed on a monitor. Preferably, the stored, reconstructed image is reduced further in size by a software system before it is displayed to the user. The display may be on a local monitor over a local area network or sent over the Internet to the user who is typically a pathologist. The user selects by a marker such as a cursor the defined area of interest or region and then views higher magnification images or has them analyzed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring images of biological samples and analyzing contrast features are provided. The present invention may determine whether a contrast feature in a image of a biological example qualifies as a grain (textural feature of interest). The size, intensity of contrast features, or other parameters may be tuned to find contrast features that correspond to features having significance in a given application. In addition, the total number of grains per image, the number of grains per sample, the number of grains per unit area, the area fraction occupied by grains, the ratio of intensity of grains to the intensity of the image, or other suitable characteristics may be determined.

Abstract: A document is analyzed to determine whether it is a banknote or the like, by reference to image data corresponding to the document. Two analysis techniques may be used, one based on detection of a visible pattern characteristic of a security document, the other based on detection of a steganographic digital watermark characteristic of a security document. If either characteristic is found, the image is flagged, and appropriate anti-counterfeiting steps may be taken. Detection of the visible pattern can be performed using a series of successively more rigorous tests. If the image fails a test, successive testing steps can be skipped, speeding the process. Hough transform-based pattern recognition techniques are used in some embodiments. Provision of both a visible pattern detector and a watermark detector in a single apparatus enhances detection reliability, while permitting various implementation efficiencies.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for measuring and controlling the crimp characteristics of a moving crimped tow. A light source illuminates a section of the moving crimped tow and at least one progressive scanning camera acquires a non-interlaced video image of the tow. The acquired image is digitized and a processor analyzes the non-interlaced image. Crimp characteristics are derived based on this analysis.

Abstract: A method for setting at least one selected parameter of a processing tool. The processing tool is utilized for processing articles in a production line. Initially, the selected parameter is set to an initial value and one such article is positioned for processing. The article is sequentially processed by the processing tool a certain number of times and corresponding processed data are obtained. The processed data are analyzed so as to determine whether or not the processed data satisfy predetermined result criteria. Upon detecting that the processed data do not satisfy the result criteria, the selected parameter is changed to a tuned value and the processing, obtaining the processed data and analyzing thereof, are repeated as many times as required until the result criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern inspection apparatus whereby, even if a large number of defects are detected during inspection it is possible to continue inspection without interruption of the inspecting operation and the apparatus comprising optical means 4 and 5 for generating pattern image data from a pattern under test 9 held by the moving holding means 3, an image comparison sections 71 that compare the pattern under inspection with reference pattern image information so as to make a judgment as to whether or not a defect exists in the partial patterns under inspection, the image comparison sections 71 having a comparison pattern image information storage means 712, which stores comparison pattern image data for a partial pattern under inspection, reference pattern image information storage means 711 and/or 713 which store reference pattern image data corresponding to the partial patterns under inspection and an image processing means 715 that perform a comparison between the comparison pattern

Abstract: A pattern inspection method and apparatus in which an image of a first pattern formed on a sample and an image of a second pattern formed on the sample is detected. At least one of the first pattern image and the second pattern image is converted to a gray level so as to be substantially the same with each other by linear combination including a gain and offset. A defect of the sample is detected by using the first pattern image and the second pattern image at least one of which has been converted to the gray level and a result of the detection is outputted to an external storage or processor by a communication arrangement.

Abstract: To provide an evaluation method and an evaluation apparatus for a cylindrical-shaped workpiece designated by a shape developed on a two-dimensional plane. A single two-dimensional reference shape data is substantially designated from a hard disk which includes a plurality of two-dimensional reference shape data based on a two-dimensional shape displayed on a two-dimensional plane where a curved surface of a reference cylindrical-shaped workpiece is developed. A reference cylindrical-shaped workpiece having a curved surface with a two-dimensional shape corresponding to the read two-dimensional reference shape data is converted by a converter into a surface shape of the reference cylindrical-shaped workpiece. In addition, a surface shape of an evaluation object cylindrical-shaped workpiece is measured, and a distance between a measurement point in the measurement and a point in the surface shape of the reference cylindrical-shaped workpiece corresponding to the measurement point is obtained by a calculator.

Abstract: Cameras (10, 12) produce first and second images (14, 16) of an object (18) from different viewpoints. An image partitioning module (54) partitions the images (14, 16) into a plurality of vertically striped regions (70), such that each region (70) of the first image (14) corresponds to a region (70) of the second image (16). A region alignment module (55) vertically shifts a region (70) of the first image (14) in a direction calculated to vertically align a portion (30) of the region (70) with a substantially matching portion (32) of the corresponding region (70). A disparity calculation module (62) calculates at least one disparity value between at least a portion (30) of the vertically shifted region (70) and at least a portion (32) of the corresponding region (70).

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus capable of simultaneously obtaining range information and luminance information with high precision, independently of an object. A controller scans slit light, emitted from a laser beam source and shaped by a cylindrical lens, on an object plural times, by mirror surfaces of a polygon mirror, while causing the laser beam source to flash by using a laser beam source driver. The slit light is time-sequentially combined into projection pattern light having plural light stripes, respectively 3-level or more intensity-modulated, and the projection pattern light is projected onto the object. An image processor obtains the range information and the luminance information based on reflection light obtained by image pickup by first and second cameras.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for generating enhanced images of multiple dimensional data using a depth-buffer segmentation process. The method and system operate in a computer system modify the image by generating a reduced-dimensionality image data set from a multidimensional image by formulating a set of projection paths through image points selected from the multidimensional image, selecting an image point along each projection path, analyzing each image point to determine spatial similarities with at least one other point adjacent to the selected image point in a given dimension, and grouping the image point with the adjacent point or spatial similarities between the points is found thereby defining the data set.

Abstract: A three-dimension distance time-of-flight system is disclosed in which distance values are acquired by a plurality of sensors independently from each other. For use with this and similar systems, Z-distance accuracy and resolution are enhanced using various techniques including over-sampling acquired sensor data and forming running averages, or forming moving averages. Acquired data may be rejected if it fails to meet criteria associated with distance, luminosity, velocity, or estimated shape information reported by neighboring sensors. A sub-target having at least one pre-calibrated reflectance zone is used to improve system measurement accuracy. Elliptical error is corrected for using a disclosed method, and reversible mapping of Z-values into RGB is provided.

Abstract: A keyed color generator for use in a machine vision system may include three color channels with a subtractor in each to subtract a corresponding component color of a background on which the object under inspection is being observed. This subtraction operation produces adjusted red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values. The R and B values may be divided by the adjusted G value to produce R/G and B/G color ratios. These color ratios and the adjusted G value may be compared to associated upper and lower threshold values corresponding to a keyed color. If all of the calculated values fall within the associated ranges, the generator outputs a signal indicative of the keyed color.

Abstract: A picture data compressing device has picture data divided by a blocking circuit 1 in to a plurality of blocks, each block consisting of a pre-set number of pixels and shuffled by a shuffling circuit 2. The blocked and shuffled data is transformed by a DCT circuit 3 into data in the frequency domain and re-quantized by a quantization circuit 4, thereby compressing the picture data. A red detector 6 determines whether a block from the shuffling circuit 2 is the red-based block. If the red detector 6 detects a red-based block, a controller 7 controls the quantization circuit 4 so that the quantization step of the quantization circuit 4 will become finer. Thus, the data of the red-based block susceptible to block distortion may be quantized with a finer quantization step for improving reproduction and alleviating block distortion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for correcting the color of objects appearing in a video image. The apparatus comprises: 1) a frame buffer for receiving and storing a first video frame from an incoming baseband video signal; 2) a memory for storing known pixel data corresponding to a plurality of known icons, the known pixel data comprising true color data values associated with the plurality of known icons; and 3) a color correction controller for comparing captured pixel data from the stored first video frame with the known pixel data stored in the memory and detecting a first actual image of a first known icon appearing in the stored first video frame. The color correction controller also compares a first true color data value associated with the first known icon and a first actual color data value associated with a first actual color in the first actual image of the first known icon.

Abstract: A method for generating a background statistics that distinguishes between gray level information from document areas and non-document areas. The method includes determining a full page background statistics from selected pixels within a scanned area; determining a sub-region background statistics from selected pixels within a sub-region of the scanned area; determining if the sub-region background statistics corresponds to image data from a non-document area; determining if the full page background statistics is corrupted; and generating a validated full page background statistics if the full page background statistics is corrupted.

Abstract: A method of delineating titles within a grayscale image, in which a grayscale image is received, e.g., by scanning a document, and then is subjected to multi-level thresholding to obtain a plurality of binary images representing the original grayscale image. Each of the binary images is preferably pre-processed to filter any noise components from each of the binary images, and then all connected components within each of said binary images are identified, optionally filtered, and then clustered to identify possible title regions within each of the binary images. Next, each binary image is preferably post-processed to merge possible title regions comprising strokes and to remove non-title regions from the previously identified possible title regions in each of the images by comparing characteristics of the previously identified possible title regions to pre-determined criteria.